The Tragedy of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare: Act 3.2-3.3
Question 9 • CREDIT RECOVERY - ELA 9 - Summer
Read the excerpt below from act 3.1 of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar and answer the question that follows. BRUTUS:Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him, How does this line, which defends Brutus’ actions, relate to the rest of the play?
Answer
A
Brutus’ dislike for Caesar combined with Caesar’s quest for power is the reason for Caesar’s assassination, which Brutus stated in act 2.
B
Brutus’ love for Caesar could not override the necessity of Caesar’s death, which Brutus has stated since act 2.
C
Brutus loved Caesar, but he killed him anyway and for no real reason.
D
Brutus was jealous of Caesar and killed him in order to take over as leader of Rome.
Explanation
Brutus says he loved Caesar even as he killed him, showing that he believed the assassination was necessary despite their friendship. Earlier, he argued that Caesar’s ambition might endanger Rome and that Caesar should be stopped for the public good. This matches choice B: Brutus believed Caesar’s death was necessary, not that he acted out of hatred or jealousy.
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